1989 Mitsubishi Galant Reviews

1989 Mitsubishi Galant GLS 1.8 carburettor from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Faults:

Gearbox failed 500 miles after purchase.

Heater matrix core replaced. Replacement part was cheap but it needed a lot of work to fit.

Thermostat replaced. This only cost £7.

Despite that I believe this car is very reliable if not neglected for too long. However, the original Mitsubishi parts can be very expensive and because of the rarity of the model second hand parts are difficult to trace.

General Comments:

I always wanted to buy a Galant. I loved its looks and I had heard about the Mitsubishi built quality.

I bought this (my first Galant) for £300. Unfortunately it had been seriously neglected and previous owner was a bit of a boy racer. The gearbox failed soon after purchase and was replaced with second hand for £100. The coolant mustn't have been changed for ages so heater matrix corroded and was replaced with a used one for £20.

The engine however pulled like new. Once I travelled 1000 miles in one day when the car had around 150000 miles on the clock. No overheating, no nothing. It kept going on and on. I did almost 16000 with no service and I had no problems.

Especially when driving on the motorway the Galant is at its element. You just cruise and rarely get tired. The velour seats are just superb and you can also adjust height, lumbar support and the level of the steering wheel. The soundproofing is very good too and both the engine noise and road noise don't become disturbing even at high speeds. You also get comforts such as electric windows, electric sunroof & electric heated mirrors.

The handling is very good but I wouldn't say it is outstanding. I think it could handle better with wider tyres (mine had the 185/R14 ones). Also fuel economy in the city circle isn't very good, although it is excellent on the motorway.

Overall I would say that the Galant is a great vehicle for those who value comfort more than performance and are also interested in a car that doesn't break down easily.

Checking on official safety check failures with this general make of vehicle, I have found they mostly fail due to steering/suspension related problems as well as oil/fluid leaks.

General Comments:

Very spacious interior.

Surprisingly, the original cigarette lighter still works.

Shifts gears very smoothly and easily.

Good handling for such a large vehicle, but the suspension can still be a little soft on corners.

Decent pick up and top end speed.

I prefer classic cars and I got the car as a cheap run around vehicle. I have only owned this car for just over one month and since owning it, I have realized what a great car it is. I am going to restore it to original condition and keep it now.

A real sleeper. Nobody looks at it twice, even with the body damage it has.